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proposal
/prəˈpoʊzəl/
formal suggestion
She submitted her research proposal to the committee.
She formally suggested her research plan to the group for approval.
formal
A formal plan or suggestion put forward for consideration or discussion.
The city council rejected the proposal to build a new highway.
The city council did not accept the suggested plan for a new highway.
He made a proposal to improve workplace safety.
He formally suggested changes to make the workplace safer.
Often used in business, government, or academic contexts.
informal
An offer of marriage.
He got down on one knee and made his proposal.
He knelt and formally asked her to marry him.
Commonly used in romantic contexts.
Law
technical
The act of proposing something, especially in a formal or official context.
The proposal was drafted by the legal team.
The legal team prepared the formal suggestion for review.
In legal contexts, refers to a formal document outlining terms for negotiation.
Collocations
marriage proposalan offer of marriagebusiness proposala formal plan for a business projectresearch proposala detailed plan for a scientific studyproposal meetinga meeting to discuss a formal suggestion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use with prepositions
Use 'proposal for' when referring to the subject (e.g., 'a proposal for a new policy') and 'proposal to' when referring to the action (e.g., 'a proposal to increase funding').
Gold Rule
Formality matters
A 'proposal' is always formal. Do not use it for casual ideas or suggestions.
Word Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French *propos* (noun use of *proposer* 'purpose, intention'), from Latin *propositus*, past participle of *proponere* 'put forward', from *pro-* 'forward' + *ponere* 'put'.
Usage Notes
Always used in contexts requiring formal presentation. Avoid using for casual suggestions.
Word Breakdown
pro-
forward, in favor of
prefix-pose
to put or place
root (Latin ponere)-al
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary